Metal-working machine



June 24, 1930.

METAL WORKING MACHINE Filled Dec. 51 1925 Sheets-Sheet 1 E Curb Gmlvws,

c. c. GROTNES 1,767,754

June 24,1930. I v ES I 1,767,754

METAL WORKING MACHINE Fiied Dec. 31, 1923 4 sheets-sheet 2 Carl 616 7 10 65, I

June 24, 1930. c. c. GROTNES METAL WORKING cams 4 Shoots-Sheet 3 Filed Dec. a1, 1923 jwenl f- Carl C. (imbue ,4 WAM/QQ Patented June 24-, 1930 UNITED s'ra'res PATENT OFFICE,

CARL C. GROTNES, OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS,

ASSIGNOR TO CHARLES G. GROTNES, OF

PARK RIDGE, ILLINOIS, DOING BUSINESS AS CHAS. GROTNES MACHINE WORKS,

OF CHICAGO, ILLINOIS METAL-WORKING MACHINE Application filed December 31, 1923. Serial No. 683,553.

The invention relates to the manufacture of annular metallic articles, such as rims for motor vehicle wheels, and the primary object of the invention is to produce a machine of a novel and advantageous construction wherein a number of operations heretofore performed in separate machines may be accomplished more efiectually in one machine, while reducing the time usually required for handling the work as well as the cost of the equipment necessary to do the work.

A further and important object of the invention is to produce a machine of the character indicated having outer contracting jaws adapted to shape or otherwise operate upon the work, and inner expanding jaws which, while the work continues to be held by the outer jaws, operates to perform one or more other operations thereon, as for example, punching and shearing operations.

I have herein illustrated and will describe for convenience, a machine which is particularly adapted tooperate upon rims for motor vehicle wheels; but it will be understood that the invention is not limited to this particular use for it is contemplated that it can be readily adapted by those skilled in the art. for use in the manufacture of other annular metallic articles requiring one or more allied operations. Also, it is contemplated that various changes may be made, by those skilled in the art, in the construction and arrangement illustrated and described but without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention as expressed in the appended claims.

In the drawings,

Figure 1 is a plan view of a machine constructed in accordance with my invention.

Fig. 2 is a vertical sectional view taken approximately in the plane of line 2-2 of Fig. 1.

Fig. 2 is a transverse section taken substantially in the plane of line 2 -42, of Fig. 2.

Fig. 3 is an elevational view, partially in section, showing the upper end of the machine.

Figs. 4 and 5 are vertical sectional views with the parts in relatively different posi tions in the two figures to illustrate in detail the construction and operation of a lostmotion connection in the machine.

The machine comprises generally a base or main supporting frame 7 having an upwardly and forwardly inclined portion 8 carrying at its upper forward end a stationary abutment in the form of a ring 9. Mounted for reciprocation through the ring 9 is a head carrying two sets of radially slidable members or jaws. Extending axially through the head is a longitudinal shaft or drawbar 10, and in the lower or base portion of the frame is mounted driving mechanism for reciprocating the head and the shaft 10, and, through toggle mechanisms in the head, causing the two sets of jaws to move radially into and out of engagement with the work interposed therebetween. The arrangement is such that one set of jaws first operates inwardly into engagement with the work, and while the work is thus held by the said jaws, the second set of jaws is operated outwardly to perform other operations such as punching and shearing.

The abutment ring 9 is stationarily supported upon the upper forward end of the inclined portion 8 of the frame through the nedium of a plurality of upwardly and outwardly extending brackets or arms 11, four being herein shown. This ring is of a diameter somewhat greater than the diameter of the head so that the latter is capable of moving axially through the ring.

Said head comprises in the present instance a circular member or table 12 having grooves in its outer edges adapted to receive the inner portions of the bracket arms 11 so as to be guided thereby. On its upper or forward face said table has a plurality of radially extending grooves 13 and 13 in which are mounted a plurality of slide members l4 and 14: (Figs. 1 and 3) each comprising a transverse portion 15 (Fig. 2) and an axially or upwardly and forwardly extending portion 16. Rigid with and in upwardly and forwardly spaced relation to the table 12 is an annular member or ring 17 suitably secured to the table as by means of bolts 18 entered between adjacent members 14 and 14. Said members 14 and 14 are thus guided in their radial movements by the table 12 and ring 17. Preferably the grooves 13 are undercut in order better to hold the members 14" against tilting, these members being subjected to greater strain because they carry the tools for performing the punching and shearing or ancillary operations as will now be explained.

Each of the slide members 14-14 carries one of the outer set of aws. These in the present instance are each in the form of a block or die member 23 shaped so that when said members are forced radially inwardly into engagement with the work the latter is compressed or shrunk to a predetermined size; and upon the members 14 1 provide a set of members or jaws 19, constituting the inner set or series of jaws. These members 19 are mounted to slide in grooves 20 on the forward faces of the horizontal portions 15 of the members 14, of which four are herein shown, and the upper forward surfaces of the members 19 are guided by an inner ring 21 also secured to the table 12 by bolts 22.

In the present instance all of the members 19 are provided with one or more punching tools 24 and one of them has a shearing die 25. The punching tools are adapted to coact with dies .26 (Fig. 2) mounted in recesses in the inner sides of the opposite shaping jaws 23; and. the shearing tool is adapted to coact with one of the outer jaws which is shaped as at 27 to form an outer die. To permit the discharge of metal particles or punchings, passages 26 are provided, which lead from the recesses containing the punching dies 26, through the cor responding jaws 23 and slide meml 16. In Fig. 2 the shearing die is shown as just having completed cutting a section a from a rim a.

The shaft 10 extends axially through the main or jaw-carrying head and near its upper forward end passes through a second head 28 between which and the jaws 19 are interposed toggle links 29 whereby said members 19 may be forced outwardly into engagement with the work when the shaft 10 is drawn downwardly or rearwardly. While the shaft is slidable through the head 28, such sliding movement in the downward or rearward direction of the shaft is limited by a nut 30 and lock nut 31. Between the members 14, 14 and the stationary ring 9 are interposed toggle links 32 which are so arranged that when the head is moved upwardly and forwardly the die blocks 23 are caused to move inwardly into engagement with the work to compress or shrink it to the predetermined size.

As shown in Fig. 3, each of the toggle links 32 comprises a pair of laterally spaced arms 33 pivoted at their opposite ends on upwardly pivot pins 34 and 35 which are secured in ears 36 and 3'? formed respectively on pillow blocks 38 and the jaws 14, 14 Between the arms 33 and bearing on the pins 34 and 35 is a compression link 39. By this construction the toggle mechanism is able to withstand the tremendous pressure which is applied to the work through the operation of the toggles as well as to effect the movements of the jaws in both directions.

The construction of the links 29 between the collar 28 and the jaws 19 is like that of the links 32, and hence need not be described in detail.

i I u ,5 The means for supporting and guiding the head in its movements in the frame com prises a main slide 40 the opposite side edges of which slide in ways 41 formed by inwardly projecting portions 42 and guide members 42 on the side members 43 of the and forwardly extending portion 8 of the frame (Fig. 2"). This slide 40 comprises an upper annular portion 44 upon which the table 12 is arranged to seat, the underside of the table being recessed for this purpose. The table and slide are secured together by any suitable means. The slide also provides approximately centrally thereof a bearing 45 for the shaft 10 which also has a bearing in the upper end of the slide, as shown clearly in Fig. 2.

The means for actuating the main head of the machine, and the shaft or drawbar 10, comprises a driven shaft 46 suitably journalled at its opposite ends in the base frame and having an eccentric portion 48 substantially midway between its ends. This shaft is operatively associated with the slide 49 which has a. lower section 40 adjustable with respect to the main section as will presently appear. This section 40 is notched at the lower end thereof near its opposite sides, as at 50 (Fig. 1) so as to receive rollers 51 having trunnions 52 bearing in portions 53 which are formed by the notches 50. With said rollers 51 a pair of cams 54 mounted on the shaft 46 are adapted to engage.

The cams 54 are shaped so that in the retation of the shaft 46 in a counter-clockwise direction (Fig. 2) the slide 40 will be caused to move upwardly and forwardly carrying with it the head to move the latter through the ring 9 and in so doing effect the movement of the radially movable jaws l4, l4 inwardly into engagement with the work. In order that the extent of such inward movement may be readily varied at will, I utilize the sectional construction of the slide 40. Thus I provide a resilient or yieldable connection between the sections which comprises a pair of rods 55 (Fig. 1) embedded in the upper end of the lower section 40 and slidable in the lower end of the main section 40 which is slotted as at 56 (Fig. 1) to receive the upper ends of the rods 55. Upon said upper ends are mounted nuts 57 between which and the lower end of the section 40, at the base of the slots 56, are interposed coiled expansion springs 58 which normally tend to hold the two sectionstogether. But I interpose between the sections a tapering wedge 59 suitably slotted to receive the rods 55 and also the central shaft 10, the lower rear face of the wedge member being inclined as is also the upper end of the lower section 40", so that when the wedge member is moved upwardly or downwardly, the distance between the rollers 51 and the main jaw carrying head is varied.

To facilitate the adjustmentof the wedge member I provide a rod 60 (Fig. 2) anchored at its lower end in the bearing member 45 of the slide 40 and passing upwardly through a bent arm 61 on the wedge member and through an upstanding sleeve 62 having at its upper end a screw-threaded engagement with the upper end of the rod 60. The

lower end of the sleeve passes through the bent arm 61 and is rotatably but non-slidably secured in position by means ofa nut 63. Upon the upper end of the sleeve 62 is fast a hand wheel 64 whereby the sleeve may be turned on the rod 60 and because of its screw-threaded connection therewith effect the up and down movements of the rod and hence of the wedge member 59. It will be observed that the yieldable connection between the two sections of the slide permits of this relative longitudinal adjustment between the parts. As shown in Fig. 2 the lower section 40 has a sliding tongue and groove engagement at its opposite ends with the main section 40 which is extended clownwardly and rearwardly at opposite sides for this purpose.

To th eccentric portion 48 of the crank shaft is operatively connected the shaft or drawbar 10. To this end the lower or rearward end of the shaft 10 has a head 65 connected by means of a pitman 66 having a separable bearing head 67 mounted on the eccentric portion of the shaft. The head 65 is mounted to slide within the lower section 40 of the slide 40, suitable guideways 65 being provided for this purpose.

The arrangement is such that as the shaft rotates in a counter-clockwise direction toward the position shown in Fig. 2, the head 28 on the upper end of the shaft is drawn downwardly so as to move the links 29 toward dead center and force the jaws 19 outwardly into engagement with the work. It will be observed that this is accomplished while the cams 54 continue to operate to hold the main head in its uppermost position and hence th jaws 1414 in holding engagement with the work. The advantage in this construction is that the punching operation is performed after the work has been compressed or shrunk to the predetermined size, and since all of the holes to be punched are made simultaneously, their exact location in the work with respect to each other is made possible. Obviously any number of holes may be pierced in the work as may be required. In thus effecting the outward movement of the jaws 19, the connection between the shaft 10 and the head 28 is so adjusted that when the eccentric portion of the main operating shaft is in the position shown in Fig. 2, the links 29 will occupy a position short of dead center. Similarly, in the movement of the jaws 14, 14 into their innermost positions by the cams 54, the adjustment is such that the links 32 move into positions short of dead center.

In the operation of the main operating shaft from the position shown in Fig. 2, it will be obvious that the shaft or drawbar 10 is moved upwardly and forwardly while the cams 54 permit the jaw-carrying head to move downwardly and rearwardly, thus effecting a separation between the two sets of jaws so as to permit of the removal of the work and the insertion of a new piece of work. It is very important, however, that the jaws 14, 14 move inwardly to complete their shrinking or shaping operation before the jaws 19 move outwardly to perform the punching and shearing operations. To accomplish this result, I provide a lostmotion connection between the shaft 10 and the head 28 so as to delay the effective operation of the drawbar 10 by the eccentric 48. This lost-motion connection comprises (Figs. 4 and 5) a pair of levers 68 pivotally mounted with respect to the head 28 but having their lower ends depending within an annular member 69 near the upper forward endthereof. This member 69 comprises a plate 69 which is secured upon the upper side of the table 12 in an annular groove 69 provided therefor. Projecting upward from the plate on diametrically opposite sides thereof are a pair of arms 69. To support said levers I provide a pair of bars 70 notched slightly at one edge to receive the head 28, and the arms 69 of the annular member 69 are grooved at their inner sides as at 7 0 to receive and guide said bars. The levers are mounted upon pivot pins 71 near the upper ends of said bars. a

The ring 21 which forms the upper guide member for the inner jaws 19, is seated at its inner edge upon the upper forward end of the arms 69 of the member 69; and upon the ring 21 at diametrically opposite points thereon are mounted a pair of upright brackets 72, the inner surfaces of which are faced by plates 73 with which outturned portions 74 on the levers 68 normally engage (Fig. 4). Such engagement of the outturned portions or heels 7 4 of the levers with the plates 73 serves to hold the levers swung inwardly, in which position they engage with a collar 75 held fast upon the nut by means of the lock nut 31. The inner edges of the lever 68, in order thus to engage with the collar 75, are provided with heels or shoulders 76 which are inclined downwardly and outwardly as is also the upper surface of the collar 7 5.

Referring now to Figs. 4 and 5, it will be seen that as the shaft 10 moves upwardly and forwardly the connection between the shaft and the table 12 which is accomplished through the levers 68 when in the position shown in Fig. 4, is effective so long as the toes 74: of the levers continue in engagement with the plates 7 3. \Vhen, however, the levers are moved with the shaft upwardly far enough to clear the upper edges of the plate 7 3, the inclined shoulders or heels 76 of the levers are forced off from the collar 7 5, thus permitting the shaft 10 to continue to move upwardly free of the head 28, in which movement the levers are guided by pairs of arms 7 projecting outwardly from the collar 75 (Fig. 5). On the other hand, as the eccentric 18 moves from a position diametrically opposite from that shown in Fig. 2, it slides through the head 28 until the collar 75 on the shaft moves downwardly to permit of the reengagement of the shoulder 76 with the collar. lVhen this occurs, the levers move inwardly and their heels 74, engaging with the plates 7 3, look the levers in their inward position shown in Fig. 4. In this position the nut 30 engages the head 28, so that as the eccentric moves toward the position shown in Fig. 2, and after the work has been completely shaped by the operation of the jaws 14, 14?, and continues to be held thereby, the head 28 is drawn downwardly and the jaws 19 move outwardly to accomplish the punching and shearing operation.

It will be observed that the member 69 on the table 12 serves to support the upper end of the shaft or drawbar 10 in the event of lateral distortion, through the medium of the bars 70 and head 28.

It will also be observed that the cams 54; are capable of operating to move the head upwardly and forwardly only. To return the head to its lowermost position I provide a pair of cams 77 on he main operating shaft 46. These cams 77 are secured upon the peripheries of two fiang'es78 fast upon the shaft 46 on opposite sides of the eocentrio portion 48. These cams 77 are adapted to engage with rollers 79 mounted in a pa r of levers 80 which are pivotally mounted in the base frame below the shaft 16 and are operatively connected at their oppos1te ends with the table 12 by means of a pair of rods 81. The levers 80 are mounted upon pivot pins 80 carried by brackets 82 fast upon the sides of the base frame, and to receive the rollers 79 the levers 80 are provided intermediate their ends with sockets 83 in the opposite sides of which roller trunnions 84: are supported. The upper ends of the rods 81 are rigidly secured to the table 12 in any suitable way, and their lower ends are secured to the upper free ends of the levers 80 through the medium of laterally extending projections 85 which are rigid with the levers 80; Between these projections 85 and nuts 86 on the extreme lower ends of the rods 81 bear coiled expansion springs 87. It will be seen that while the cams 77 operate to move the levers 80 positively, the resilient or yielding connection between the levers and the rods 81 renders it possible for the springs 87 to yield so as to avoid injury to the machine in the event that the aw carrying head should for any reason fail to move downwardly in the operation of the levers 80.

Any suitable means may be provided for driving the main operating shaft 46. Herein I provide a main drive shaft 88 (Fig. 1) having a pinion 89 thereon meshing with a spur gear 90 upon a countershaft 91. The shafts 88 and 91 are journaled in suitable hearings on the frame. The opposite end of the counter-shaft 91 carries a pinion 92 meshing with a spur gear 93 which is fast upon the main operating shaft 16.

It will be observed that I have provided a machine for operating upon annular metallic articles wherein a number of distinct operations may be performed rapidly and effectually. The construction employed is of a thoroughly practical character, and is capable of quick and easy adjustment to accommodate various sizes of work. I deem of especial importance the construction provided which enables the work to be pierced after it has been shaped to a predetermined size, thus eliminating the necessity for removing the work into a separate machine, as well as insuring greater accuracy by reason of the simultaneous operation of all of the piercing tools as distinguished from an individual operation under the control of an indexing mechanism as now common practice.

I claim as my invention:

1. A machine of the character described having two relatively movable axially alined heads, toggle mechanisms arranged to be actuated in the movement of said heads, and cam-actuated means for effecting relative movement between the headsincluding a shaft having having a lost-motion connection with one of said heads, said lostmotion connection comprising a member pivoted with respect to the last mentioned head, means on the shaft with which said pivoted member is adapted to engage to lock the shaft and head against relative movement, and means operable in the movement of the head with the shaft to effectthe disconnection of the member and thereby of the head from the shaft.

2. In a machine of the character described, a reciprocatory shaft, a head slidable on the shaft, an arm pivoted with respect to the head, a member on the shaft arranged to be engaged by said arm to hold the shaft and. head against relative movement, and a relatively stationary part with which said arm is adapted slidably to engage, said arm being arranged to move automatically into an inoperative position after a predetermined movement of the head with the shaft whereby to disconnect the shaft from the head.

3. In a machine of the character described, the combination of a table, a shaft slidable through the table, a head through which the shaft is arranged to slide, a member pivoted with respect to said head, a part on the shaft with which said member is arranged to engage, and means for holding said member in engagement with said part to lock the head and shaft against relative movement during the travel of the shaft and head through a predetermined distance only.

41-. In a machine the character described, a pair of tool slides, a pair of members arranged to actuate the respective slides, a driven shaft having an eccentric portion connected with one of said members and a cam associated with the other one of said members, the arrangement being such that when the cam has caused its corresponding slide to move into operative position relative to the work, said eccentric will cause the other slide to move into operative position also, and separate cam means on said shaft operable to restore the cam actuated slide to its initial or inoperative position.

5. In a machine of the character described, a table mounted for reciprocation, a shaft, cam means on said shaft operatively associated with the table to move it in one direction, and means for returning the table including a second cam on said shaft, a lever with which said second cam is arranged to engage, and means for connecting said lever and said table.

6. In a machine of the character described, a table mounted for reciprocation, a shaft, cam means on said shaft operatively associated with the table to move it in one direction, and means for returning the table including a second cam on said shaft, a lever with which said second cam is arranged to engage, and yieldable means for connecting said lever and said table.

7. In a machine of the character described, a shaft, a head mounted for reciprocation, means for moving said head in one direction including a cam on said shaft, and means for moving the head in the opposite direction including a second cam on said shaft having a yieldable connection with the head.

8. A machine of the character described having a pair of relatively movable heads, a driven shaft having an operative connection with each of said heads, one of said connections including a cam operable to move the corresponding head in one direction only, and means for moving the last mentioned head in the opposite direction including a cam having a resilient connection therewith.

9. A machine of the character described having a frame, a head slidable in the frame, a slide on which said head is mounted, said slide being mounted so as to be guided by said frame and having two sections adjustable longitudinally with respect to each other, a second head arranged coaxially with respect to the first head, and means for actuating the second head including a shaft extending coaxially with respect to said slide.

10. A machine of the character described having a frame, a head slidable in the frame, a slide on which said head is mounted, said slide being mounted so as to be guided by said frame and having two sections adjustable longitudinally with respect to each other, a second head arranged coaxially with respect to the first head, means for actuating the second head including a shaft extending coaXially with respect to said slide, and means for actuating said slide and 7 said shaft to cause the heads to move relative to each other.

11. A machine of the character described comprising a movable head, a toggle mechanism arranged to be actuated in the move- .ment of said head, a frame, a slide mounted in said frame and having said head secured thereto, said slide having two sections adjustable longitudinally with respect to each other, a shaft having a cam thereon operatively associated with said slide to move it in one direction, and a second cam on said shaft having a yieldable connection with said slide normally adapted to move the head in the opposite direction.

12. Apparatus for forming rings comprising a supporting table, radially movable dies, a concentric operating slide supported on said table, lever connections between saiddies and said slide, and means for disconnecting said slide from its operating means to permit overtravel of said operating means.

In testimony whereof, I have hereunto afiixed my signature.

- CARL C. GROTNES. 

